Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Red velvet cake recipe is a delightful journey into the world of baking, where rich cocoa meets vibrant red hues, creating a stunning centrepiece for any occasion. This simple layer cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the buttermilk and vegetable oil, while a hint of vanilla adds warmth to every bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a sweet, tangy embrace that perfectly complements the cake’s flavors. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake will surely bring smiles and joy to your table!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans Grease and flour before use.
- 1 Mixing bowls For mixing dry and wet ingredients.
- 1 Whisk For mixing dry ingredients.
- 1 Spatula For folding ingredients together.
- 1 Toothpick For checking if the cake is done.
- 1 Wire rack For cooling the cakes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour A key ingredient for structure and texture.
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder Adds a subtle chocolate flavor and rich color.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda Helps the cake rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1.5 cups Sugar Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- 2 large Eggs Provide richness and help bind the ingredients together.
- 1 cup Buttermilk Adds moisture and a slight tanginess for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Red food coloring Gives the cake its signature vibrant hue.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon White vinegar Reacts with baking soda for a lighter texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all your ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cream cheese for frosting.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect bake!
Step 3: Prepare Your Pans
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps the cake slide out easily.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir well!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; a little lumpiness is okay!
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pans
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Give them a little shake to level the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Cakes
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean!
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy!
Step 11: Frost the Cakes
- Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top. Get creative with your frosting style!
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice your beautiful red velvet cake and enjoy every delicious bite. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- It’s a showstopper for any celebration.
- Rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to follow, even for baking beginners.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of cocoa.
- Customizable with your favorite frosting or toppings.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 8-10 |
| Best Served: | With cream cheese frosting |
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cake Recipe
- All-purpose flour – a key ingredient for structure and texture.
- Cocoa powder – adds a subtle chocolate flavor and rich color.
- Baking soda – helps the cake rise for a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Sugar – sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Eggs – provide richness and help bind the ingredients together.
- Buttermilk – adds moisture and a slight tanginess for flavor.
- Red food coloring – gives the cake its signature vibrant hue.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
- White vinegar – reacts with baking soda for a lighter texture.
How to Make the Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all your ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and cream cheese for frosting.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect bake!
Step 3: Prepare Your Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps the cake slide out easily.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add buttermilk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Stir well!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; a little lumpiness is okay!
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Give them a little shake to level the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Cakes
Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean!
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy!
Step 11: Frost the Cakes
Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting between the layers and on top. Get creative with your frosting style!
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your beautiful red velvet cake and enjoy every delicious bite. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself!
Pro Tips for Making the Red Velvet Cake Recipe
•Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise.
•Sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
•Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a tender cake.
•For a richer flavor, use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute like milk with vinegar.
•Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Enjoy your red velvet cake with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting for that classic touch.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Pair with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Slice into layers and add a layer of raspberry jam for extra flavor.
- Garnish with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Serve as mini cupcakes for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your red velvet cake fresh:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
To freeze your cake without losing quality:
- Wrap the whole cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best texture and taste when reheating:
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap before reheating.
- Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
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FAQs
What can I use instead of buttermilk in the red velvet cake recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give your cake the same tangy flavor and moisture that buttermilk provides.
Can I make this red velvet cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the layers for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
What frosting pairs best with red velvet cake?
The classic choice is cream cheese frosting, which complements the flavors of red velvet beautifully. If you’re looking for something different, a vanilla buttercream or a whipped cream cheese frosting can also work wonderfully. Just choose a frosting that balances the cake’s richness!